Hong Hyun-Seok Set for Loan Return to KAA Gent

Florian Plettenberg reports that Hong Hyun-Seok, the Mainz midfielder, is preparing for a potential loan return to KAA Gent. The South Korean international, who has represented his country 14 times, was initially loaned to FC Nantes at the start of this season. However, he has only made six competitive appearances for Les Canaris, leading to dissatisfaction among all parties involved.

In light of this situation, Mainz is gearing up to re-loan Hong to his former club, KAA Gent, for a six-month period. During his peak in the Belgian Pro League, Hong was valued at €9 million. Mainz acquired him from Gent for €4 million in August 2024. However, former FSV head coach Bo Henriksen was left unimpressed by his performances, as Hong struggled to make an impact during his four Bundesliga starts at the onset of the 2024/25 season.

Following matchday five, Hong did not see any further starts under Henriksen, and his estimated market value has since dropped to €3.5 million, according to the latest Transfermarkt update. Plettenberg notes that Mainz still wishes to retain Hong, and as such, a purchase option will not be included in the new loan agreement. Hong remains contracted with the Rheinhessen side until 2028.